England rejected three kickable penalties at 20-14 down against Australia on Saturday, before eventually going down by that score.

England's autumn schedule

10 Nov: Beat Fiji 54-21

17 Nov: Lost 20-14 to Australia

24 Nov: v South Africa, Twickenham (1430)

1 Dec: v New Zealand, Twickenham (1430)

"If you take England out of the equation, the biggest thing is to be smart ahead of the game," Woodward told 5live's Sportsweek programme.

"In the cold light of day the right decision would be to kick the goal."

First England number eight Thomas Waldrom had an effort ruled out after the side had twice kicked for the corner when they were just five metres from the line. And another attack from a kickable penalty 13 minutes from time ended with a turnover inches from the line.

"If you are coaching any team, the biggest thing is trying to be smart ahead of the game.

"You have to be smart and a lot of that smartness comes from the way you train, the way you think and the players you pick.

"The key thing is getting these things in players' heads before they head out onto the pitch so you will know what will happen in every single situation. There is no point reviewing the video after you have lost, you have to review things before you go in and that is the secret to coaching.

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Stuart Lancaster on 'frustrating' England defeat against Australia

"You must not make decisions in the heat of battle. It is a brutal business international rugby and these decisions are absolutely crucial.

"England have a week to put this right [before the game against South Africa], and I think they will have a great week and it is a big opportunity for Stuart Lancaster to make his mark and turn this around."